Title

Interviewee

Interviewer

Barbara Dent

Project

World War II Home front

Biographical Synopsis of Interviewee

Mary Helen Dent Trammell was born in Lubbock, TX, on April 3, 1930. Her parents were Robert Walter Dent and Lilly Myrtle McFarland. Mrs. Trammell describes her childhood, and
going to school in Littlefield, TX. The family moved to Stephenville, TX in 1942. Her father had been previously married, and had three living children from his first wife. One of her halfbrothers served in World War I. Mrs. Trammell’s brother, Thomas Edward Dent was also born
in the 1930s.

Summary of Interview

He describes the schools growing up, and how they were all named after famous Texans, such as Davey Crocket and James Bowie. Mrs. Trammell describes how her mother was forced to work because of her father’s age and failing health. Her father had asthma and eventually suffered a stroke. The family lived in a rural area, where they kept chickens, cows, and other animals. Mr. Dent describes the fear that existed when WWII broke out, as he was still in elementary school. Both siblings describe the process of making phone calls at this time, and dealing with operators. There were no motels in the area, and families would often stay with them, some for long periods of time. Mr. Dent describes efforts by the German government to call back German immigrants. He discusses how the pressure to enlist during WWII was not as great as it had been in WWI, but that it was still a major source of pride to elist. Mrs. Trammell describes how her mother would give the children Ex-Lax whenever they were sick. The siblings recalled enemas being popular at the time, but not receiving any. Mr. Dent remembers trucks filled with POWs driving through the area. He also recalled that children who wished to continue school after elementary would be bussed to Fort Worth, TX. Mrs. Trammell and Mr. Dent also discuss attending high school, including going to prom